Does it need a tourniquet?

Our school has had a rash of terrible injuries as of late. Well, at least terrible in the eyes of grade school kids they seem terrible. These injuries include bruised egos when trying to show off to friends; small bumps while walking in the hall; life-threatening hang nails; and paper cuts. I guess winter has been around too long and the kids can't think of anything else to do but worry about these injuries. It's a good thing that our secretary has an abundant supply of bandages and patience. She is amazing. I, however, do not have either. My motto is, "If it ain't spurting blood, don't ask for a bandage." Ok, that is a little harsh and I'm kinder than that.

Today, however, the first-aid kit was stolen from the office. So, when Jaden exclaimed in a panicked voice, "My thumb is bleedin', " I took a quick look and declared it ok. I didn't have a bandage to fix it with anyway. Seriously it was a meer flesh wound that wasn't even bleeding. Yes, a small bit of skin had been removed somehow but it wasn't bleeding. I then said, "When you begin to feel faint from loss of blood, let me know." I continued. Jaden got up, got a tissue, sat down, held his thumb, and worried. Finally, in exasperation he cried (without being called on), "There's no blood left in my thumb." What? There hasn't even been a drop yet. So I asked this poor concerned boy, "How do you know?" His reply, "There's no more blue lines in it!" I took him aside and we had a little talk about blood vessels, small cuts, etc. He felt better after that and it was quickly forgotten. HEALED!!!!

A Spelling Miracle

Misspelled words drive me crazy. Now, I can understand simple typing errors but that is about the limit of my tolerance. I teach spelling. I try to teach rules that will help kids to think through the sounds in a word and made logical guesses. That is what the English language requires - logical guesses. The rules continually change. I take that into account as I help these sweet kids. I begin to get frustrated when the same words keep appearing in spelling lists and the students continually spell them incorrectly.

A case in point is the word "they." Students learn it in 1st grade and review it at least every other week in 2nd grade. We even have a little song about it - "There is no A in they. There is no A in they. Just write the then add y. It's as easy as huckleberry pie. There is no A in they." But still, it doesn't come out right.

A couple years ago I had a student that stuggled with many words including "they." But, he loved the Pittsburg Steelers. And his favorite player? Of course, Ben Roethlisberger. His journal was filled with bits of Steeler news. His spelling was pretty bad, all except Roethlisberger. It was always correct.

I guess you spell what is important to you. And if you find any spelling errors-mere typing mistakes.